Victim advice > Facebook Issues > Top tips for teens on Facebook

I have put together some key advice for victims of cyberstalking below. 

The Network for Surviving Stalking has more information about stalking, the risks and going to the police. Or call the Stalking helpline on 0808 802 300. If you are victim of stalking associated with domestic violence, call Women's Aid helpline on 0808 2000 247

Jennifer Perry, stalking expert

Social Networks: Top Ten Safety Tips

  1. Create an anonymous user Id - don’t use first and last name
  2. Use the privacy setting so only friends can see your profile. (see FAQ on how to set Facebook privacy settings)
  3. Don't let someone you barely know or random people on your friends list or set groups in Facebook and when you post select who you want to see the information.
  4. Not everyone is who they say they are and not everything you read is true. Predators go online to find victims. They look and befriend victims, make them feel special - win their trust. If you get a great new online friend as yourself - could it be a predator?
  5. Think about what you post - it could be read by a new boy/girlfriend, parents, or university for years to come. It can be spread around by others. Use your privacy settings to limit older posts (see FAQ on Facebook privacy settings)
  6. Don't post sexually suggestive pictures or comments. It is the number one problem/regret for young people.
  7. Check what your friends are posting/saying about you. Even if you are careful, they may not be.
  8. Never post false information about other people. Gossiping about people is a way to make yourself a target.
  9. Don't post phone numbers, addresses, etc. online. Anyone can read it, copy, share it.
  10. Talk to your parents before meeting anyone in person. Never go alone - it is simply too dangerous.

If you're not sure about something happening online, if you are uncomfortable, worried, get advice, talk to an adult or go to the Useful Links section for support groups you can talk to.

Last updated on November 18, 2011 by Jennifer Perry